Auld Motor Hoose

Imagine a place where the spirit of a classic British pub meets the atmosphere of an old garage. This is exactly what the Auld Motor Hoose is—a unique themed establishment located in the town of Kirkwall. Situated in the north of the United Kingdom, this attraction is literally soaked in a love for machinery: the pub's interior is decorated with vintage car parts, motorcycle memorabilia, and various spare parts that turn an ordinary bar into a kind of technical museum.

Auld Motor Hoose. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

There is a cozy, slightly dim atmosphere here, complemented by the sounds of a jukebox playing immortal rock hits. The interior is finished in dark tones, giving the place a distinct character of a “real gentleman's club,” though the establishment is always happy to welcome guests of all ages. High ratings and recognition among locals make it a must-visit spot for those seeking an authentic experience off the standard tourist path.

The Auld Motor Hoose is not just a bar, but a living piece of Orkney history. The former garage building has retained its industrial energy while becoming one of the most award-winning venues in the region. Visitors note not only the visual delight of the decor but also the friendly welcome that makes you feel like one of the crowd in this unusual "auto shop."

For those planning a visit, current contact details for the establishment are provided below. Please note that the pub does not have an official website, so it is best to check for current event information on-site or by phone.

The main reason to step inside this establishment is its unique collection of automotive artifacts. You can spend quite a while looking at spare parts hanging from the ceiling, old posters, and rare model cars. Craft beverage lovers will appreciate the excellent selection of local ales, gin, and whisky, with the staff always ready to give professional recommendations on choosing a variety.

If you’re lucky enough to be here on a weekend, you’ll likely catch some live music. The pub regularly serves as a stage for local rock bands, while at other times the jukebox sets the mood. It’s the perfect place to strike up a casual conversation with Kirkwall locals at the bar or enjoy an evening on the outdoor terrace. By the way, the establishment is dog-friendly, so don’t be surprised to encounter some friendly local four-legged pets here.

The Auld Motor Hoose is conveniently located in the very heart of the town, at 26 Junction Rd. Kirkwall is a compact town, so you can walk from major tourist sites like the cathedral to the pub in just 5–10 minutes at a leisurely pace. The building's facade looks quite modest, but behind the door, a completely different, exciting atmosphere awaits guests.

If you're using public transport, it’s very convenient: the town bus station is literally across the road, just a couple of minutes' walk away. For those arriving from the airport, a taxi ride will take about 10 minutes, as the distance is only 5 kilometers.

Travelers by car should know that free or inexpensive parking can be found nearby. An important note: due to the architectural features of the historic building and the presence of stairs, the pub is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the technical progress of the Orkney Islands. The building where ale is poured today originally served as a car garage. It was this industrial past that gave the venue its unique name and inspired the owners to create the "motor" interior, which over time has turned into a real treasure trove for gearheads.

Over the years, the Auld Motor Hoose has become more than just a drinking establishment—it's a true cultural icon of the town. Its significance was officially recognized in 2016 when CAMRA named it the "Northern Isles Pub of the Year." Since then, the establishment has repeatedly received high marks from experts and visitors alike, cementing its status as one of the best bars in the region.

Today, the pub plays an important role in the island's musical life, serving as one of the key venues for the Orkney Rock Festival. It is a place where old British pub traditions meet the energy of rock music, creating a unique fusion of history and modernity that attracts people of all generations.

The time spent in this atmospheric place largely depends on your goals. If you plan to just stop by for a glass of local ale and a quick look at the unique interior, one hour will be quite enough. This is enough time to appreciate the collection of parts and take a few colorful photos.

However, if you catch a live music performance or want to immerse yourself in conversation with the locals, your visit could easily stretch to 2–3 hours. The evening atmosphere in the pub is very conducive to a long stay, especially when the jukebox starts playing rock classics and the room fills with the energy of good old Orkney.

The Auld Motor Hoose is ready to welcome guests daily from morning until late at night. The schedule allows you to drop by for a daytime coffee or a full evening out with live music.

The standard opening hours are as follows:

• Monday — Wednesday: 11:00–00:00;
• Thursday — Saturday: 11:00–01:00;
• Sunday: 12:30–00:00.

Kirkwall is full of charming corners, and after visiting the pub, it's worth taking time to explore its surroundings. Several historical monuments are concentrated within just a few minutes' walk of the Auld Motor Hoose, helping you learn more about the rich heritage of the Orkney Islands.